One Is a Lonely Number

One Is a Lonely Number is a 1972 romantic drama film directed by Mel Stuart, starring Trish Van Devere, Monte Markham, and Janet Leigh. The film tells the story of a young woman named Susan, who is struggling to come to terms with her recent divorce and the disintegration of her marriage. As she navigates her new life and tries to figure out what went wrong in her relationship, Susan begins to spiral into a deep depression and finds herself completely alone.

The movie opens with Susan living alone in her apartment, feeling completely lost and alone. Through a series of flashbacks, we see snippets of her life with her ex-husband, and the moments where their relationship started to fall apart. It’s clear that the divorce was a shock to Susan, and she can’t seem to get over it or move on.

As Susan tries to come to terms with her new reality, she turns to her friends and family for support. But while they all mean well, they can’t seem to understand her pain or offer her the comfort she needs. Susan starts to feel increasingly isolated and alone, and her depression only deepens.

Desperate for a new start, Susan quits her job as a math teacher and moves to San Francisco, hoping to start a new life for herself. She finds a small apartment and a new job, but her depression continues to follow her. Despite her attempts to make friends and find meaning in her life, Susan can’t help but feel like she’s lost her way.

One of the few bright spots in Susan’s life is her relationship with a man named Jerry, who she meets through work. Jerry is kind, considerate, and seems to understand Susan’s pain in a way that no one else can. As they begin to spend more time together, Susan starts to see a glimmer of hope for her future.

But just as she starts to believe in the possibility of happiness again, Susan’s world comes crashing down around her. She learns that Jerry has a wife and child, and had been hiding his marital status from her all along. Devastated by the betrayal, Susan goes into a tailspin and has to confront the fact that her happiness may never be fully restored.

The film is a poignant exploration of loneliness, depression, and the difficulty of moving on after a major life change. Trish Van Devere gives an impressive performance as Susan, capturing the full range of her emotions and making her struggles feel all too real. Monte Markham and Janet Leigh are also excellent in their supporting roles, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Overall, One Is a Lonely Number is a beautifully crafted drama that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or alone. Though it deals with some heavy themes, it’s ultimately a hopeful film that reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is always the possibility of finding happiness and love.